3/30/12

*The review is going to contain spoilers for the first book in the series, My Soul To Take*

I'm taking a part in The Soul Screamers Challenge at Fiktshun's blog. I should have read and review the book earlier but I totally forgot about that. So, I'm a little late. Anyway, My Soul To Take (Soul Screamers, #1) is one of my favorites book I've read in 2012. So it's not a real surprise for me to like the second book, My Soul To Save. Even though I though the first book was a lot better, I still enjoyed reading My Soul To Save.

Kaylee is a character I liked from the first chapters of the novella (prequel to the series). I admired her courage and the sacrifices she was willing to do for others. It hasn't changed much; Kaylee is still going to give up her life to save others, but sometimes in this book it looked stupid and unnecessary. I understood her motives and cheered for her, but I might find her to be too much reckless.

In the second book, we get to know some characters so well while the others are neglected. For instance, we learn a lot of stuff about Nash and Tod, about their past and their personality. However, Sophie and Emma aren't in the book as much as I hoped so. We hear about them from time to time but that's it. I think it's a shame since both are really good and interesting characters.

The plot was excellent. I liked to find more information about the Netherland and about Kaylee's abilities. The story moves quickly, there are hardly moments when the characters or you can relax, the mystery and the curiosity make you turn another page whether you like it or not. Between those events, I wish we could read more about Kaylee's lives, the normal things she does when she's not involved in paranormal missions.

And lastly, the series' timing bothers me. I know the actions need to be done quickly for the suspense and the mystery but I'd rather to have a book which tells about more that three-four days. There are developments which take time, and there's no need to rush them into the story.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book and definitely going to read the other books in the series. This series is fantastic and I looking forward seeing where Rachel Vincent would take us next.

Btw, Have you been in the chat author with Rachel Vincent about My Soul to Take? If you've read My Soul to Save, you should visit the next chat. You can find more details in Rachel's blog.

3/27/12

Apparently, every time I leave school early because I don't feel good, a great book waits for me in my house. I should do that more often. Today, let me tell you about Past Perfect by Leila Sales.

Chelsea has worked in Essex Historical Colonial Village since she has been a little girl. Although she wants to, she doesn't seem capable of leaving this behind, along with some other things. When Chelsea finds herself in Essex again, she is involved in a war both in past, at the colonial times, and in the present, when she and her friends have to handle the other History museum, the Civil War's, located the other side of the street.

Though Chelsea wasn't my favorite protagonist, I could relate to her feeling to be stuck in the past and not let go. I knew how she felt, I sometimes feel the same. To read this book was experiencing my life through another point of view. It had a huge impression on me. I could see both sides at the same time and finally to get this feeling and the way to deal with it.

The characters were great; I could see them through Chelsea's eyes. When they were described differently, I was as surprised as she was. Fiona was an awesome character, she was funny and supportive. I understood why she was so important to Chelsea. Besides, the character was a wonderful addition to the book.

The thing about this book- everything is taken seriously. Too much? I don't know. They're playing a game but everyone seems to believe this is their actual mission, a thing they have to fight for with all they've got. Sometimes I wish I could shake them and shout in their ears that it's only a game, it's not real. In the end, it was amusing to read this book, to try to forget they're almost adult and to let them feel kids for one last time.

In fact, let me tell you I haven't planned to read this book. I thought it'd be sad, maybe because its name, but I don't regret for reading it. It was a real pleasure; the book is full of unforgettable quotes (I mentioned a few in the end) and lives' events dealt both seriously and amusingly. If you like Contemporary novels, don't give up on this one.

Unforgettable quotes:
"What really happened doesn't matter. What matters is how we agree to remember it."
"You are two from different times, and different worlds. It wouldn't work."
"This town is big enough for only one American living."

3/21/12

Wither came out in Hebrew a couple weeks ago. I got excited and really looked forward reading it. Actually, I've heard opposing opinions; some people really liked the book while others couldn't. I borrowed the book from the library to check for myself.

Rhine lives in the futuristic reality, where scientists succeed treating diseases and improving the human health. After a generation, they found out their deeds have consequences. When we open the book, we see the world in a sensitive situation, where there are pain, poverty and death. While most people live in this condition, there are the richest people as well; those who take advantage of others. Rhine is taken, unwillingly, to live the better, rich life.

I can't put the finger on the thing that bothered me the most about this book. With this intriguing plot and interesting characters, I expected to find a fascinating book. Unfortunately, it didn't happen. The plot is spread on uneven time's spaces, the characters weren't enough believable and the book itself wasn't so original.

The plot is attractive, but in the same time is expected. I couldn't feel Rhine's conflicts clearly and sometimes felt her actions are done because of her caprices. I think most of the people who liked the book had found Rhine as a character whom they can easily relate to. However, for me, Rhine wasn't a fighter nor a stubborn person but a girl who couldn't convince me why her actions are done.

The writing was good; I liked the way the author could move to past events so smoothly. Characters and places were well described and I could get the general picture.

I'd not say I didn't enjoyed reading the book, that would be a lie. But I was disappointed to find out my guesses about the plot and the end were right. I'd say this book can be a lot better, I felt its potential wasn't executed.

3/7/12

The Book Thief is a war story. It is located in a small village in Germany, in time of the World War 2. We meet a little girl and we follow her life through the war.
Liesel, the book theif, is fascinated by words. She find them as the only thing to help her keep going after the events she has experienced before. She won't give up; she is barely ten when we meet her but she seems like a grown-up, she thinks like one and definitely acts like one.

The characters in the book are well described; her foster parents, her friends and every important character who joins the story. We sense Liesel's feeling toward them and I felt the same feeling as hers; I had a strong connection with her point of view and the way she sees them.

The plot was everything but boring. Every time I suspected I'd not like a specific part, I was proved wrong. I couldn't put it down, though I was planning a break. I had to know what's going to happen. I felt the hidden hints in the writing and read the obvious ones and knew I couldn't have a break- the mystery would have killed me.

The only thing that bothered me in this book is its writing. I know it's special, it's freshing to read something new from time to time. However, I could not relate to it. I had thought I'd get used to it as the book continues, but I didn't. Don't get me wrong, I didn't hate it or something, but I think sometimes it was a bit too much.

The Book Theif is definitely a book I'm going to recommend; I loved it, I needed it and I don't get why I haven't read it earlier. No questions, this book will lead me toward history books, really soon.

And, because this book has so many awesome quotes, I can't help but mentioning one:
"I have hated words and I loved them, and I hope I have made them right."